DART BUS ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

DART BUS ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Every day in Dallas County, an average of two-hundred thousand commuters, tourists and others board Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) buses from bus stops along roadways or at DART transit centers. Unfortunately, in the event of a collision, people are killed or sustain serious injuries in accidents involving DART buses on a far too regular basis. Most DART buses do not have seat belts and the massive size of DART buses often cause severe damage. If you or a loved one has been involved in a DART bus crash, whether as a passenger, a pedestrian, or a motorist, consulting with an experienced DART bus accident attorney can help ensure you are taking the steps necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.

There is a deadline to file notice of a claim against DART and the City of Dallas. Failure to timely file a claim or to follow the proper procedure could prevent your ability to recover damages.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit System

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit authority (or DART) is a transit agency operated by primarily in Dallas County, Texas. It operates buses, light rail, commuter rail, and high-occupancy vehicle lanes in Dallas and 12 of its suburbs. DART currently provides transportation to the following suburbs:

Addison

Carrollton

Cockrell Hill

Farmers Branch

Garland

Glenn Heights

Highland Park

Irving

Plano

Richardson

Rowlett

University Park

At times DART hires private companies to provide support and operate buses and transportation vans on behalf of DART. In addition to buses, DART operates a light rail service, and is the largest light rail operator in the United States with a rail system of 93 miles.

Causes of DART Bus Crashes

There are many reasons why a DART bus may get into an accident. Some of the most common reasons include:

Negligence on the part of the DART bus driver

Negligence on the part of the driver of another vehicle

Speeding

Alcohol or drug Use

Sleep deprivation

Mechanical problems

Improper maintenance

Distracted driving such as cell phone use

Inadequate training

Inadequate supervision

Common DART Bus Accident Injuries

Some of the most common injuries individuals sustain when involved in a DART bus accident include:

Whiplash and spinal cord injuries

Fractures

Sprains to the muscles

Brain injuries

Trauma to the head

Paralysis

Crushing injuries

Damage to nerves

Internal injuries

Cuts, bruises and burns

What Damages Can I Recover After a DART Bus Accident?

One of the most common questions asked after a DART bus accident is in regard to what damages can be recovered. If you or a family member has been injured in a DART bus accident, you may have a claim against Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the City of Dallas for the following damages:

Medical expenses

Pain and suffering

Disfigurement

Emotional distress

Loss of quality of life

Other damages

The Law in Texas for DART Bus Injury Cases

DART bus drivers must obey all traffic laws and the Texas Transportation Code. Because DART buses are considered “common carriers” the driver must use utmost caution when driving these vehicles in order to ensure the safety of the passengers on board. DART must properly maintain DART buses. Additionally, DART must hire, train and supervise qualified drivers. In addition to passengers, DART drivers have a duty to drive in a reasonable manner and not endanger the safety of people in other vehicles or pedestrians. If the driver of another vehicle causes a collision with a DART bus, you may have a claim against both the DART bus driver and the driver of the other vehicle. Additionally, there may be other parties to pursue for damages.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a DART Bus Accident?

A DART bus crash can be the result of the fault of the DART bus driver, DART, or there may be several different parties that contribute to a collision that can be held accountable for your accident.

DART Bus Drivers – DART bus drivers who are poorly trained, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drive while distracted, or fail to drive like a reasonable person and commit traffic violations can be held responsible for causing a crash.

Other Motorists – In Texas, the driver of a motor vehicle has a duty to drive in a reasonable manner. Negligent drivers that collide with a DART bus or force the DART bus to lose control are responsible for the injuries and damages that result in the DART bus crash.

Private Bus Companies – DART at times contracts with third party private bus companies to perform overflow transportation work, as well as transportation for DART vans. Private bus companies are required to perform vehicle maintenance, comply with government regulations, and hire qualified drivers to operate the vehicles safely. The bus company may be liable for serious crashes that result from their negligence and are responsible for the negligence of employee drivers.

DART Bus Accident Notice Requirement

Notice of a claim against DART and the City of Dallas must be brought timely and meet the strict notice requirements set forth under Texas law. Failure to file the timely or proper notice of a claim could result in the loss of the ability to recover damages against DART. It is imperative that anyone injured by a DART bus provide DART and the City of Dallas with notice of a claim within the deadlines required under Texas law.

Experienced DART Bus Accident Attorney

If you survived a DART bus crash or lost a loved one in a DART bus crash, you may be entitled to receive significant compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered. Contact an experienced DART bus accident lawyer at the Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert. Board Certified Personal Injury attorney Aaron Herbert has recovered millions for accident victims and their families. For a free consultation, call 24/7 to (214) 200-HURT or click HERE to fill out the online, attorney-consultation form. The consultation is free and there is no fee or expense until we win the case.